AP Source: Indians nearing deal with Nick Johnson

CLEVELAND
— A person familiar with the negotiations says the Cleveland Indians are close to signing oft-injured first baseman Nick Johnson to a contract.

Johnson spent last season with the New York Yankees. He could be signed in the next few days by the Indians, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the sides still have several details to work through.

Johnson played in only 24 games last season, and has only appeared in more than 100 four times over the past eight seasons. He missed the entire 2007 season with a broken leg.